Sleep Loss and Performance in Spiders and Praying Mantids
Background
Expressions of interest
Scholarship code: SRS-2516061
Arthropods are exceptionally diverse, yet sleep research beyond fruit flies remains limited. This PhD will investigate how extended wakefulness affects important behaviours in two groups: long-jawed spiders and praying mantids. In spiders, the candidate will characterise sleep behaviour, test how sleep deprivation affects web-building, and compare the results with those from spiders exposed to sleep-altering pharmaceuticals. In mantids, the project will examine how sleep loss affects predatory strikes, using high-speed cameras to measure strike speed, frequency and force. By studying these behaviours in two distinct arthropod groups, the project will help reveal how sleep supports performance, and what the consequences of sleep loss may be for animals’ health and longevity.
The project will use behavioural experiments to test for well-established features of sleep. Depending on the candidate’s interests and the direction of the research, it may also involve respirometry, imaging, immunohistochemistry, proteomics and/or genetics.
Domestic applicants will receive priority, but interested applicants without Australian citizenship are also encouraged to apply.
Benefits of the scholarship
- a stipend scholarship for three and a half years, with a value of $36,000 per annum to support your living costs
- a fee-relief scholarship for up to four years
- opportunities to work with La Trobe's outstanding researchers, and have access to our suite of professional development programs
- potential for additional allowances for research costs, conference attendance, travel and visits to overseas laboratories - subject to approval
Are you eligible to apply?
To be eligible to apply for this scholarship, applicants must:
- meet the entrance requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
In selecting successful applicants, we prioritise applications from candidates who:
- will be enrolled full-time and undertaking their research at a La Trobe University campus
- have completed a Master's by research or other significant body of research, such as an honours research thesis or lead authorship of a peer-reviewed publication, assessed at a La Trobe Master's by research standard of 75 or above
Preference will be given to applicants who:
- have a strong academic record and research experience in biology, zoology, animal behaviour, neuroscience or a related field.
- ideally have one or more first-author, peer-reviewed publications.
- have experience with animal behaviour, sleep research, spiders, mantids, high-speed video, web-building analysis or pharmacological approaches. Experience in one or more of these areas is desirable.
How to apply
To express your interest, email John Lesku at j.lesku@latrobe.edu.au with:
- a brief statement outlining your interest in the project and research goals
- your CV and academic transcripts
- your research thesis or a summary of your research experience
- details or copies of relevant publications
- your citizenship status
Shortlisted candidates may be interviewed, and only the preferred applicant will be invited to submit a full application for entry into the PhD and scholarship.
Who to contact for further information
John Lesku, j.lesku@latrobe.edu.au